FEW

FEW Spirits Distillery

Region
  • USA, Illinois
Awards
  • Gold “Best in Class” at Whiskies of the World 2020, General Recognition for Producing Award-Winning Craft Whiskey and Gin, Notable for Small-Batch, Artisanal Whiskeys.
Website
  • https://www.fewspirits.com/
Phone Number
  • +1 847-920-8628
Address
  • 918 Chicago Ave, Evanston, IL, United States, Illinois

FEW Spirits distillery entrance with stacked barrels, Chicago.

History of FEW Spirits

The Few Spirits distillery, established in 2011, is a grain-to-glass craft distillery located in a hidden alley in Evanston, IL, a suburb of Chicago.

This location was chosen for its historical significance, as Evanston was the headquarters of the Temperance Movement and known as the seat of Prohibition.

The distillery’s founder, Paul Hletko, was inspired by the city’s unique history and the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago, which marked the dawn of modernism and introduced various innovations.

Hletko aimed to create a new style of urban whiskey, breaking paradigms by producing whiskey in a place historically known for its prohibitionist stance.

Few Spirits is situated in an old chop-shop in Evanston, where they produce flavorful bourbon and rye with a bold Chicago-style twist.

 

 

Awards Won by FEW Spirits

  1. FEW Immortal Rye:
    • Awarded Gold “Best in Class” at Whiskies of the World 2020.
    • Known for its unique character, being a straight rye whiskey brought to proof with cold-extracted 8 Immortals Oolong Tea.
  2. General Recognition for FEW Spirits:
    • Recognized for producing award-winning craft whiskey and gin.
    • Notable for their small-batch, artisanal whiskeys, which are all handcrafted and 100% grain-to-glass.
    • Products are crafted with a blend of craft and courage, inspired by pre-prohibition times.

FEW Spirits Tour Information and Experience

  1. Tour Schedule and Pricing:
    • Tours are offered Thursday through Sunday.
    • The cost is $10 per person.
    • It’s advisable to book reservations in advance due to limited availability. You can make reservations online at FEW Spirits Tours & Tastings.
  2. Tour Experience:
    • The tour provides an opportunity to learn more about FEW spirits and their production process.
    • FEW Distillery has a small shop with a lot of personality, offering a great tour and tasting experience.
  3. Location and Accessibility:
    • FEW Distillery is located in Evanston, Illinois, down a small alley and is easy to miss.
    • It’s easily accessible from the red/purple L lines and just a few minutes’ walk off the station.
  4. Additional Information:
    • The Tasting Room is open Thursdays and Fridays for cocktails, tastings, and purchasing bottles.
    • The distillery offers a walkthrough of its facility, where you can learn the history of liquors in Evanston and enjoy a generous tasting of their award-winning spirits.
    • FEW Spirits is described as a gin & whiskey distillery with an old-world industrial-hip vibe.

Flask & Barrel Review of FEW Spirits

Nestled down an easy-to-miss alley in Evanston, this small but charming distillery packs a lot of character. The tour, available Thursday through Sunday, was a delightful experience. At $10 a pop, it’s a steal.

What really stands out is the intimate, hands-on vibe. You get a real sense of their craft and dedication to quality. The tasting room, open Thursdays and Fridays, offers a cozy spot to savor their unique blends.

And oh, the whiskey! Each sip was a testament to their artisanal approach – flavorful, smooth, with just the right hint of complexity.

FEW Spirits may not be the largest or most opulent distillery out there, but it’s got heart and soul in spades. Plus, the staff’s knowledge and passion for whiskey made the experience all the more enriching.

It’s a solid 4.7 out of 5 for me – a must-visit for any whiskey aficionado in the Chicago area. And don’t forget to stop by the Whiskey Thief Tavern afterwards for an extra treat!

What To Do Nearby FEW Spirits

  1. The American Toby Jug Museum: Just a stone’s throw away from FEW Spirits (196 ft), this museum houses the world’s largest collection of Toby Jugs, with over 8,000 pieces. It’s a unique destination featuring ceramic pitchers modelled after historical and fictional figures, open on Tuesdays and Thursdays or by appointment.
  2. Sketchbook Brewing Co.: Located just 0.2 miles from FEW Spirits, this brewery is a great spot for craft beer enthusiasts. You can enjoy a variety of local brews in a relaxed atmosphere​​.
  3. Space: A mere 0.4 miles from FEW Spirits, Space is an intimate concert venue known for its excellent acoustics and diverse music lineup. It’s a perfect place to catch a live show after exploring the local distillery.
  4. Northwestern University: Only 1 mile from FEW Spirits, the university campus is not only visually stunning but also home to the Bienen School of Music, featuring facilities like the Pick-Staiger Concert Hall and Lutkin Hall​​​​.
  5. Evanston History Center: At a distance of 0.7 miles, this center, located in the former home of U.S. Vice President Charles Gates Dawes, offers a glimpse into Evanston’s past through its museum and beautiful Victorian manse​​​​.
  6. Halim Time & Glass Museum: This speciality museum, just 0.9 miles away, showcases a fascinating collection and offers a unique cultural experience​​.
  7. Lee Street Beach: Enjoy the tranquility of this beach on Lake Michigan, located only 0.6 miles from FEW Spirits. A small fee grants you access to a peaceful stretch of sand without the distraction of nearby traffic​​​​.
  8. Bahá’í House of Worship: At a distance of 2.7 miles, this architectural marvel is one of seven Bahá’í temples globally. Its impressive construction and serene environment make it a worthwhile visit​​​​.

These attractions offer a variety of cultural, historical, and recreational experiences, making your visit to FEW Spirits a memorable one.

Frequently Asked Questions

What restaurants are near FEW Spirits?

  • IHOP: It has a rating of 4.1 stars on Google Maps.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +18473281450. Their address is 100 Asbury Ave, Evanston, IL 60202.
  • La Cocinita Restaurant: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +18473321625. Their address is 1625 Chicago Ave, Evanston, IL 60201.
  • Prairie Moon: It has a rating of 4.3 stars on Google Maps.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +18478648328. Their address is 1635 Chicago Ave, Evanston, IL 60201. 

What hotels are near FEW Spirits?

  • Graduate Evanston: It has a rating of 4.2 stars on Google Maps.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +18474753300. Their address is 1625 Hinman Ave, Evanston, IL 60201.